Obesity is a complex disease treated with a multifactorial approach including lifestyle changes, behavioral therapy, medications, and surgery, depending on individual needs and health status.
The goal of treatment is to improve overall health and quality of life, and to manage or reduce the risk of obesity-related complications like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and sleep apnea.
Effective management requires a comprehensive treatment plan and often involves a collaborative team of healthcare professionals.
Treatment approaches
Lifestyle and behavioral therapy: This is a cornerstone of treatment and involves creating an individualized plan for diet, physical activity, and stress management.
Medications: For some individuals, FDA-approved weight-loss medications may be used, particularly when lifestyle changes haven’t been sufficient. These medications often target hormonal imbalances that contribute to obesity.
Surgery: Metabolic and bariatric surgery is an option for those with severe obesity or obesity-related diseases. It can lead to significant improvements in health and life expectancy for eligible candidates.
Important considerations
Team-based care: A collaborative team of healthcare professionals, including dietitians, behavioral counselors, and specialists, can provide more effective and comprehensive support.
Initial goal: A realistic first goal is a modest weight loss of 5% to 10% of total body weight, which can start to improve health outcomes.
Holistic approach: Healthcare providers recognize that obesity is a chronic disease with complex influences from genetics, environment, and mental health, rather than just a lack of willpower. This understanding promotes a more effective and less stigmatizing approach to treatment.
Cost and impact
Obesity is associated with significant costs, with the United States healthcare system spending nearly $173 billion annually on obesity-related care, according to a 2022 estimate.
Individuals with an obesity diagnosis often have substantially higher annual healthcare costs compared to those without.
Family Medicine Physicians Specializing in Obesity Medicine
Family Medicine Healthcare Taxonomy Code 207QB0002X
A physician specializing in the treatment of obesity demonstrates competency and a thorough understanding of the condition, as well as the genetic, biological, environmental, social, and behavioral factors that contribute to its development.
The obesity medicine physician employs therapeutic interventions including diet, physical activity, behavioral change, and pharmacotherapy.
The obesity medicine physician employs a comprehensive approach, which may include additional resources such as dietitians, exercise physiologists, mental health professionals, and bariatric surgeons, as indicated, to achieve optimal results.
Additionally, the obesity medicine physician maintains competency in providing pre-, peri-, and post-surgical care for bariatric surgery patients, promotes obesity prevention, and advocates for those who suffer from obesity.
Internal Medicine Physicians Specializing in Obesity Medicine
Internal Medicine Healthcare Taxonomy Code 207RB0002X
Internal Medicine Physicians Specializing in Obesity Medicine provide a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to the treatment and management of obesity as a chronic disease, using a combination of lifestyle changes, nutritional counseling, exercise guidance, behavioral interventions, and medications, such as weight loss injections, to improve a patient’s overall health beyond just weight.
They conduct thorough health assessments, develop personalized treatment plans, track various health markers, and may refer patients to bariatric surgeons or collaborate with other specialists, such as nutritionists and psychologists.
Obesity Medicine Pediatricians
Pediatrics Healthcare Taxonomy Code 2080B0002X
Obesity medicine pediatricians evaluate, diagnose, and treat childhood obesity by addressing its medical, genetic, and behavioral causes and related health conditions like prediabetes or high cholesterol.
They create customized treatment plans that can include nutritional support, physical activity guidance, behavioral counseling, and, when appropriate, medication or referrals for surgery.
These doctors work with the family in a collaborative and non-stigmatizing way to achieve a healthy weight and improve the child’s overall well-being.
Obstetrics & Gynecology Physicians Specializing in Obesity Medicine
Obstetrics & Gynecology Healthcare Taxonomy Code 207VB0002X
Obesity medicine and obstetrics & gynecology (Ob/Gyn) physicians are specialists who provide comprehensive care for women’s health, integrating weight management into reproductive and overall health.
They assess and treat obesity-related health conditions, develop personalized treatment plans that may include diet, exercise, and medication, and provide counseling on the medical risks associated with obesity, particularly in areas like pregnancy and menopause.
Preventive Medicine Physicians Specializing in Obesity Medicine
Preventive Medicine Healthcare Taxonomy Code 2083B0002X
Preventive medicine physicians specializing in obesity medicine use a comprehensive approach to treat obesity by creating personalized plans that include dietary guidance, exercise prescriptions, behavior modification, and potentially anti-obesity medications.
They work with patients to set realistic goals and manage chronic diseases, improving overall health and preventing or treating associated complications like diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
Psychiatrists & Neurologists Specializing in Obesity Medicine
Psychiatry & Neurology Healthcare Taxonomy Code 2084B0002X
Obesity Medicine Psychiatry & Neurology Physicians, often board-certified in both obesity medicine and psychiatry, address the interconnectedness of weight, metabolism, mental health, and neurological conditions.
They manage weight-influencing medications, tackle comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression, and integrate lifestyle changes to improve overall health.
These specialists provide personalized care that may include nutritional counseling, exercise guidance, behavioral therapy, FDA-approved obesity medications, and referrals to other specialists or bariatric surgery.
Registered Dietitians Specializing in Obesity and Weight Management Nutrition
Registered Dietitian Healthcare Taxonomy Code 133VN1201X
Registered dietitians (RDs) who specialize in obesity and weight management provide personalized, evidence-based plans that go beyond basic meal plans to include comprehensive nutrition therapy and lifestyle guidance.
They assess a client’s overall health, create tailored meal and nutrition plans, offer education on healthy eating habits, and provide ongoing coaching and support to help clients achieve and maintain long-term weight management and health goals.